Car-coupling.



No. 816,951. PATENTED APR. 3, 1906 J. E. WADE.

GAR COUPLING. APPLICATION FILED DEO.14, 1904.

nrrn r rns FPME.

CAR-COUPLING.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented April 3, 1906.

Application filed December 14, 1904. Serial No. 236,798-

more particularly to a class of couplings having a laterally-movable locking-jaw.

The main object of the invention is to provide a coupling of this character which while possessing asliding self-actuatinglocking-j aw will be capable of cooperating with all coup lings now commonly used employing the ordinary J anney type of swinging locking-j aws.

A further object is to provide such a coupling which upon the operative impact of an opposed couplin therewith will be automatically opened to receive such and instantly upon the passage of the locking-jaw of the opposed coupling resume its normally locked position through gravity.

A still further object is to provide a coupling of this character having guides and stays so arranged as to permit the movement of said locking-j aw and yet under all conditions impart that strength and durability to the coupling necessary to meet the great strains thereon when in use.

. A still further object is to so arrange these guides and stays as to distribute said strains 1n a manner to prevent the release of the interlocked jaws thereby.

A still further object is to provide a coupling the head of which will be so constructed as to give the necessary clearance for the movement of the sliding jaw of an opposed coupling.

A still further object is to provide in such a coupling for the proper play to permit the taking of curves and at the same time means whereby movement resulting from such play will be so limited as to avoid the release of the locking-jaws thereby.

A still further object is to provide means limiting the extent of movement of the locking-j aw to avoid displacement thereof through excessive force in bringing opposed couplings together.

A still further object is to provide for the locking of opposed couplings when there is a difference in the relative height thereof; and a still further object is to provide a coupling which comprises aminimum of moving parts, which will be strong and not susceptible of breakage through the ordinary exigencies of use, and which cannot become readily disarranged.

The invention consists, primarily, in providing a car-coupling comprising a draw-bar, a draw-head, a laterally-pitched inclined seat or way on one horn thereof, an oppositelydisposed side horn, a non-rotary slidable locking-j aw having a contour like that of the Janney type of coupling mounted and having direct movement on said seat or way, and means carried by said jaw whereby the drawing strains thereon are transmitted to said draw-head and said drawbar, and in such other novel features of construction and arrangements of parts as are hereinafter set forth and described, and more particularly pointed out in the claims hereto appended.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a coupling embodying my invention, showing the locking-j aw in the position assumed upon the impact of an opposed coupling. Fig. 2 is a plan view of said couplingwith the parts in their normal position. Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3 3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the coupling, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the draw-head and draw-bar with the lockingjaw entirely removed.

Like letters refer to like parts throughout the several views.

. In the drawings the drawbar is shown as of ordinary construction, comprising parallel bars a a, suitably braced and so arranged as to provide a space for the draft-rigging. (Not shown.) The forward ends of these bars are extended laterally to form the drawhead I), having the side horn b with its outer curved guide-face, carrying the locking-jaw and the oppositely-disposed side horn b the space within said draw-head and said horns being similar in contour to that of the ordinary Janney type of coupling and having the usual curved surfaces for guiding the opposed couplings to the locked position. The side horn l) is projected across the open portion of the draw-head to a greater extent than in the ordinary Master Car-Builders coupling to form a horizontal ledge or rest 0 thereon, and from this ledge or rest the said horn slopes upwardly at an angle approximating fortyfive degrees to form an inclined seat 0, the outer wall of which is curved to conform to the lower portion of said side horn.

The upper bar a is cut away above this inclined seat 0 and ledge or rest 0, leaving the spur d, which serves in part as a guide and stop for the laterally-slidable j aw e and a buffer for the locking-j aw of an opposed coupling, as will more fully appear hereinafter, and to form a guide slot or way (1 in said bar to aid in controlling the movement of said jaw and taking up the drawing strains thereon. The under side of the guide slot or way is preferably undercutat an angle corresponding with that of the inclined seat 0, thus forming an opposed bearing parallel therewith.

The lower bar a has extending therethrough an inclined guide slot or way 21 having the same pitch as the way (1 and having the same functions. It will be observed that the ways d d are disposed on opposite sides of the center line of the draw-bar, thus insuring the application of the drawing strains at a point intermediate between said bearings or along substantially the center line of said bar, thus avoiding, as will more fully appear hereinafter, a tendency of such strains to release the locking-jaws.

The side horn b is provided on the lower bar a only, the space above said horn being required to be clear to permit the upward outward movement of the sliding aw e of an opposed coupling. To compensate for that variance in the heights of opposed couplings, I extend this horn both above and below said bar for several inches, which does not interfere with the movement of such jaw, yet insures the engagement of this horn with an opposed coupling in locking, even if it be either higher or lower. This also imparts additional strength to this part.

If desired, a rabbet may be provided in the seat 0, adapted to cooperate with a fillet or bead on the jaw e to aid in guiding said jaw and in transmitting draft strains therefrom to the draw-bar.

The locking-jaw e as to its buffer and looking faces is substantially like that of the ordinary Master Car-Builders coupling. Instead of being secured to the draw-head by means of trunnions, however, it is non-rotary, being provided with a lower inclined face e, adapted to move on the seat 0, with horizontal lower faces 6 adapted to engage and rest upon the ledge or rest 0, and when I employ the spur d with an upper face parallel with said seat a and a stop-shoulder 6 stated, I may, if desired, provide a fillet or bead e thereon to cooperate with the rabbet c on said seat. This jawis extended rearwardly of the head I) and is provided with a top flange f, an inclined flangef, adapted to enter the way (1, and an extension f 2 thereof, operating in the way (1 The pitch of inclination of said flange and said extension is are adapted to contact with the bar a and Y prevent the jaw 6 being forced entirely from the draw-head.

In practice a coupling is not only subject to extremely rough usage, but to such movement relative to an opposed coupling, vibrations, and play in making curves as to make it advisable to provide means limiting such to an extent to prevent one laterally-slidable jaw being gradually worked backward by another when the latter is higher than it. To this end I provide several safeguards, as a slight bulge within the jaws at h, adapted-to engage theforward face of the'ledge or rest 0, an overhung incline i on the spur (Z, adapted to equalize to a limited extent the height of opposed couplings, and a stop on the lower forward face of the ledge or rest 0, but to one side thereof, adapted to engage with a stop on the under side of an opposed coupling similar to that, j, shown. The tendency of any of these is to interpose a positive limitation to such relative movement of opposed couplings as would crowd back the jaw e to a point sufficient to permit the locking-jaw of an opposed coupling to escape therefrom. The jaw e is provided with an eye it or othermeans whereby it may be manually operated to release opposed couplings.

The herein-described coupling, it will be observed, is adapted to receive and couple with any coupling of the Master Car-Builders type or employing the Janney type of locking-j aw, inasmuch as my coupling when locked is substantially identical with such types as to the contour and disposition of the operative parts, except as to the limitations as to the height of the side horn N. If upon the impact of either of said types therewith its locking-jaw be closed, the contact of said jaw with the aw 6 will cause said latter jaw to open sufficiently to permit the said other jaw to pass, provided the pitch of the seat 0 be increased so as to avoid a wedging of said jaw e and the ordinary side horn and the buffer-face of said jaw c be made full toward the bottom thereof to insure the proper application of the force of the impact, while if said other jaw be open it will pass between the jaw e and the side horn b and be forced into place behind said jaw 6 without opening said jaw. The outer end of said coupling, both within and without said draw-head, said horns, and said locking-j aw presents generally the same arrangement of curved contacting surfaces and engaging surfaces found in these other types now in general use.

It being apparent that onecoupling is op- 816,951 gar erative in this connection and to the extent above referred. to in the same manner as with a twin coupling, a description of its mode of operation in the latter connection only will be entered into.

As twin couplings embodying my invention. contact, if they be perfectly alined, the aws being normally in the closed position, the outer faces of the opposed locking-jaws 6 engage upon their rounded surfaces and the impact forces one or both of them. off the ledge or rest 0, upon which it normally rests, up the incline 0 until the lateral movement is sufficient to permit the passage of the opposed couplings locking-jaw. If the couplings be not so alined, the contact of the outer curved side of the horn b and the side horn b will force them to position, the said side horn I) once within the jaws of the coupling being acted on by the curved surfaces within said. head to under all conditions force opposed couplings into the proper position.

The arrangement of the guides or ways d (Z the flange f and the extension f the normal projection of the locking-j aw e to a point substantially on and beyond the center line of the draw-bar and when used. the bead e and rabbet c avoid such a twisting movement of said jaw and binding of the various parts as would tend to interfere with the free start and subsequent movement of said jaw.

When the jaws e of opposed couplings have passed one beyond the other, gravity instantly restores each of said jaws to its former position, thus automatically locking the coupling.

The strain upon the coupling in use to prevent the accidental release thereof must be confined to substantially along the center line of the drawbar, as excessive side movement thereof would tend to gradually work up one jaw to a point where the other jaw could escape therefrom. The contact of the rest a with the bulged portion at h will tend to avoid lateral play of the couplings beyond that necessary to take curves, as will also that of the stop 3' with the contact 7' of an opposed coupling when the opposed couplings are at different heights. It may be observed at this point that the arrangement of the stop y' to one side of the center line of the drawbar and belowthe bar awill cause this stop to be inoperative as to the wall within the said jaws. The spur d being in contact with an opposed jaw 6, toward the top thereof, will tend to check movement thereof and also exert a pressure on said jaw, which will tend to hold it upon its seat 0, the overhung incline i aiding in this action.

The top flangef, inclined flange f, and extensionf serve to take up and so distribute the strains on the jaw e as to give to the drawhead and draw-bar a substantially straight pull, as well as to guide the movement of said jaw e by reason of the opposed bearings afforded by the guides (1 d parallel with the seat 0. The fillet e and rabbet c aid in this result when used.

While the spur (Z must be of sufficient strength to avoid likelihood of breakage from heavy objects falling thereon, it will be observed that the jaw a being normally closed, will give abacking thereto, which tends to avoid this danger.

To release the coupling, it is merely necessary to manually draw one of the jaws 6 along the incline c by means of the eye 7c or other means for this purpose provided.

A coupling as herein described comprises but one movable part, and through the distribution of the strains, as described, the wear is so distributed as to prevent the coupling giving out at any one point. It is always prepared for coupling, and its action, except upon uncoupling, is entirely automatic, thus not requiring the presence of a brakeinan or train hand to adjust same preparatory to bringing the cars together. It is simple in design and construction and is operative with all those couplings new generally in use of the types referred to.

While I have described the preferred pitch of the incline c as being forty-five degrees, it is apparent that this pitch may be varied as desired.

It is not my intention to limit the invention to the precise details of construction as herein shown and described, as such may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having described the invention, what I claim as new, and desire to have protected by Letters Patent, is

1.. A car-coupling comprising a draw-bar, a draw-head, an inclined seat thereon, an oppositely-disposed side horn, a non-rotary slidable locking-jaw having a contour like that of the J anney type of coupling mounted and having direct movement on said seat or way, and means carried by said jaw whereby the drawing strains are transmitted to said draw-head and said draw-bar.

2. A car-coupling comprising a draw-bar, a drawhead comprising a side horn on the lower portion thereof, an inclined seat or way thereon, an oppositely-disposed lower side horn, an upper guide or buffer within said horns, a lower guide or buffer connecting said horns, a non-rotary slidable locking-j aw having a contour like that of the J anney type of coupling mounted. and having direct movement on said seat or way, and means carried by said jaw whereby the drawing strains are transmitted to said draw-head and said drawbar.

3. A car-coupling comprising a draw-bar, a draw-head comprising a side horn on the lower portion thereof, an inclined seat or way thereon, an oppositely-disposed lower side horn, an upper guide or buffer within said horns, a lower guide or buffer connecting said horns, guides or ways in said draw-head rearwardly of said guides or buffers and disposed on opposite sides of the center line of said drawbar, a non-rotary slidable locking-jaw having a contour like that of the Janney type of coupling mounted and having direct movement on said seat or way, and a flange and an extension thereon moving in said ways respectively whereby the drawing strains on said locking-jaw are transmitted to said drawhead and said draw-bar.

4. A car-coupling comprising a draw-bar, a draw-head comprising a side horn on the lower portion thereof, an inclined seat or way thereon, an oppositely-disposed lower side horn, an upper guide or buffer within said horns, a lower guide or buffer connecting said horns, said horns projecting both above and below said lower guide or buffer, a nonrotary slidable locking-j aw having a contour like that of the Janney type of coupling mounted and having direct movement on said seat or way, and means carried by said jaw whereby the drawing strains are transmitted to said draw-head and said draw-bar.

5. A car-coupling comprising a draw-bar, a draw-head comprising a side horn on the lower portion thereof, an inclined seat or way thereon, an oppositely-disposed lower side horn, an upper guide or buifer within said horns, a lower guide or buffer connecting said horns, guides or ways in said draw-head rearwardly of said guides or buffers and disposed on opposite sides of the center line of said draw-bar, a non-rotary slidable locking-j aw having a contour like that of the Janney type of coupling, mounted and having direct movement on said seat or way, and having a flange and an extension thereon moving in said ways respectively whereby the drawing strains are transmitted to said draw-head and said draw-bar, and means limiting the extent of movement of said locking-j aw from impact with an opposed coupling.

6. Acar-coupling comprising a draw-bar,

a draw-head comprising a side horn on the lower portion thereof, an inclined seat or way thereon, an oppositely-disposed lower side horn, upper and lower guides or buffers spaced apart, said lower'guide or buffer connecting said horns, a spur projectingfrom said upper buffer, and guides or ways in said draw-head disposed on opposite sides of the center line of said draw-bar, a non-rotary slidable locking-jaw having a contour like that of the J anney type of coupling mounted and having direct movement on said seat and below said spur, a flange and an extension thereon moving in said ways respectively whereby the drawing strains are transmitted to said draw-head and said draw-bar, and means limiting the extent of movement of said locking-jaw from impact with an opposed coupling.

7. A car-coupling comprising a draw-bar, a draw-head comprising a side horn on the lower portion thereof, an inclined seat or way thereon, an oppositely-disposed lower side horn, upper and lower guides or bufiers spaced apart,said lower guide or bufler connecting said horns, a spur projecting from said upper bufler, an overhung incline thereon, guides or ways in said draw-head disposed on opposite sides of the center line of said draw-bar, a non-rotary slidable lockingjaw having a contour like that of the Janney type of coupling mounted and having direct movement on said seat and below said spur, a flange and an extension thereon moving in said ways respectively whereby the drawing strains are transmitted to said draw-head and said drawbar, and means limiting the extent of movement of said jaw from impact with an opposed coupling.

8. A car-coupling comprising a draw-bar, a draw-head comprising a side horn on the lower portion thereof, an inclined seat or way thereon, an oppositely-disposed lower side horn, an upper guide or buffer within said horns, a lower guide or buffer connecting said horns, said horns projecting both above and below said lower guide or buffer, opposed stops carried by said side horn, and on the bottom of said guide or bufler respectively, a non-rotary slid able locking-j aw having a contour like that of the J anney type of coupling mounted and having direct movement on said seat or way, and means carried bysaid jaw whereby the drawing strains are transmitted to said draw-head and said draw-bar.

9. A car-coupling comprising a drawbar, a draw-head, comprising a side horn on the lower portion thereof, an inclined seat or way thereon, an oppositely-disposed lower side horn, an upper guide or buffer Within said horns, a lower guide or buffer connecting said horns, said lower guide or bufier having a bulged portion adapted to engage said firstmentioned side horn, a non-rotary slidable locking-j aw having a contour like that of the J anney type of coupling mounted and having direct movement on said seat or way, and means carried by said jaw whereby the drawing strains are transmitted to said draw-head and said draw-bar.

10. A car-coupling comprising a draw-bar, a draw-head comprising a side horn on the lower portion thereof, a ledge or seat thereon, an inclined seat or waythereon, an oppositelydisposed lower side horn, an upper guide or buffer within said horns, a lower guide or buffer connecting said horns, guides or ways in said draw-head rearwardly of said guides or buffers and disposed on opposite sides of the center line of said draw-bar, a non-rotary slidable locking-j aw having a contour like that of the Janney type of coupling mounted and having direct movement on said seat or way and said rest or ledge, and having a flange and an extension thereon moving in said ways respectively whereby the drawing strains thereon. are transmitted to said drawhead and said draw-bar, and means limiting 5 the extent of movement of said locking-j aw from impact with an opposed coupling.

1 1. A car-coupling comprising a draw-bar, a draw-head comprising a side horn on the lower portion thereof, a ledge or seat thereon,

10 an inclined seat or way thereon, an oppositelydisposed lower side horn, an upper guide or bufl'er within said horns, a lower guide or buffer connecting said horns, guides or ways in said draw-head rearwardly of said guides 15 or buffers and disposed on opposite sides of the center line of said draw-bar, a non-rotary i slidable locking-j aw having a contour like that of the J anney type of coupling mounted my signature, this 6th. day of December, 1904, 30

in the presence of two witnesses.

JOHN E. WADE.

Witnesses:

GEORGE P. BRECKENRIDGE, F. T. WENTWORTI-I. 

